Sheepdog Inc. Launch App in Google Marketplace

Halifax-based Sheepdog Inc has added its gTrax application to the Google Apps Marketplace, Google's online store.

Gtrax is a tool that can be used for the recording and reporting of employee work hours. Employees can log in and record their working hours and their managers have the information they need to manage projects. Officials with Sheepdog say the app will simplify data entry and reduce overhead.

With offices in Halifax, NS and Marina Del Rey, California, SheepdogInc. is a leading Google Apps reseller and system integrator.

SheepdogInc is experiencing incredible growth and they are hiring!

Learn more about this innovative Nova Scotian company by visiting their website.

International Award for Business in Blandford, NS

Cedar Bay Grilling Co. Ltd, based in Blandford has become the first Canadian company to win the Seafood Excellence Award at the International Boston Seafood Show, North American’s largest seafood trade event.

Cedar Bay won the prestigious award in the new product category last week for its planked apple wood orange-ginger salmon.

On receiving the honour, company president Douglas Park says, “It was huge.”

The company launched products into Atlantic, Quebec and Ontario markets last fall, and have branched into export markets, targeting upscale chains in Europe. The company plans to begin selling in the U.S. in April with American distributor CFE International, of Massachusetts. Cedar Bay products are available across Canada at major grocery retailers including Sobeys, Loblaws, Metro and Co-op stores.

All of Cedar Bay’s products are locally produced.

Nova Scotia Vineyard, One of the World’s Most Beautiful

One of Nova Scotia’s 12 vineyards has been named among the world’s most beautiful by a popular travel blog.

“Wine is one of the many charms of Nova Scotia, and the perfect place to soak up great views with a tasty glass is at the Gaspereau Winery,” said Andy Hayes of the blog Sharing Travel Experiences. “Why not try a Canada classic, the Maple Wine (obviously a touch sweet) or any of the other wines, which have been described as dangerously drinkable. Not a surprise considering your attention will likely be diverted by the fresh air and gorgeous backdrop.” said Hayes.

Nova Scotia has several distinct wine regions. They include: The Annapolis Valley, Malagash Peninsula, LaHave River Valley.

Grand Pre Winery Celebrates 10th Anniversary

And still with the wines of Nova Scotia, Domaine de Grand Pre is celebrating its 10th year of operations.

The Swiss-born Stutz family own Domaine de Grand Pre in the Annapolis Valley. They opened the winery in 2000. You’ll find a beautiful restaurant, a fantastic view overlooking majestic Blomidon, and you can tour the vineyard and sample wines at the tasting bar in the wine shop.

Learn more by visiting Grand Pre Winery's website

Orange Blossom Perfume

Author, columnist and motivational speaker Barb Stegemann (The 7 Virtues of a Philospher Queen) has launched Afghanistan Orange Blossom Eau de Parfum. “The scent brings the thesis in my book to life,” said Stegemann. “...women in North America own the buying power, yet we still have issues of poverty and war in the world.”

The concept of buying the oil harvested from the orange blossom crops in Afghanistan is one Stegemann is sharing with businesses in Nova Scotia and across the country. “In order to end war, we must economically empower the people in war torn nations,” says Stegemann.

Orders can be made online. The Orange Blossom Eau de Parfum is available at Mills Brothers in Halifax as well as the Noor Boutique in Yorkville, Toronto.

Cape Breton “Trade Triangle” with China and UK Agencies

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) has secured a trade collaboration deal with counterpart agencies in Qingdao, China and Hull and Humber, U.K. The deal was brokered during the latest stopover in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between government agencies representing international investment/community economic development in the three regions. It is hoped the MOU will encourage business development between the regions.

Rita MacNeil headlines an all Nova Scotia line-up with East Coast Inspiration

Organizers of the last summer’s Alive on the Island Festival in Cape Breton are bringing one of the festival’s most successful shows to audiences around the Maritimes. “East Coast Inspiration” will feature some of the region’s finest talent performing a mix of inspirational and spiritual music, headlined by platinum-selling artist and multiple Juno and ECMA award winner Rita MacNeil.

“This show was the highlight of last year’s inaugural Alive on the Island Festival for many attendees,” explains Pat Moore, Festival Manager. “The show was simply amazing – it received 12 standing ovations!”

Along with Rita MacNeil, the touring version of the show will feature Canadian Idol finalist Gary Beals, multiple ECMA winners The Burke Family, North Preston Gospel favourites The Deep River Boys, ECMA winner Chelsea Nisbett, and a house band featuring some of the East Coast’s finest musicians. The ensemble production is directed by Stephen Muise.

“East Coast Inspiration” will be in Moncton on Friday, March 26, Charlottetown on Saturday, March 27 and Saint John on Sunday, March 28. Tickets are available online.

RCR Hospitality Group Expands Offering

RCR Hospitality Group has unveiled a new restaurant in Halifax. Q Smokehouse & Southern Barbeque opened its doors last week and is located at 1580 Argyle Street. RCR owns four other restaurants and venues in Halifax.

RCR believes this new restaurant will fill a void in the Halifax restaurant scene.

“Barbeque is a casual dining experience we always enjoyed on our visits to Montreal and we’ve been wanting to bring this style of dining to Halifax for a long time,” says Shannon Bruhm, VP of Operations for RCR Hospitality Group. “The best barbeque joints are actually in the Southern U.S. where barbeque first originated, but we are trying to bring a little of that southern authenticity to the Maritimes.”

RCR Hospitality Group is a charter member of Nova Scotia Come to life. Learn more about RCR.

Changes on Facebook

Nova Scotia Come to life has upgraded its Facebook group to a fanpage. We’ve reached more than 1000 fans in just over a week. Become fan on Facebook and learn more about what Nova Scotia has to offer!